Evaluation in Wister Rats (Rattus Novergicus) following chronic exposure of Methanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis

Abstract

Background: Telfairia occidentalis family (Cucurbitaceae) is a tropical plant with several biological and pharmacological activities. The historical use of T.occidentalis leaves for medicinal purposes by the local population in Nigeria without adequate information on its toxicity most especially on liver function necessitated this study. Objective: the present study aimed at evaluating the effects of methanol extract from this plant on biochemical parameters in rats. Methodology: A total of fifteen (15) wister rats were grouped into 3 groups of 5 animals each. Group A rats serve as control group, while group B and C was treated with 300 and 600 mg/kg of T. occidentalis respectively, for 30 days. Results: Acute oral toxicity shows the extract to be relatively safe at a high dose on acute exposure. However, 30 days administration of methanol extract of T. occidentalis cause dose dependents and significant (P>0.05) increase in serum activities of ALT, ALP and the level of total protein but had no effect (P>0.05) on serum AST activities when compared with the control rats. The extract had no significant effects on body weight gain and liver, spleen, small intestine and heart body weight ratios of the rats but cause significant (P>0.05) increased in kidney/body weight ratio when compared with the control values Conclusions: In conclusion, administration of methanol extracts of T. occidentalis at the doses investigated has brought about alterations in the serum activities of ALT, ALP and the level of total proteins but had no effects on serum AST. This may be an indication of selective and local systemic toxicity of plant extract.